Our History

Starting in 1959, Jacob Stolt-Nielsen built from the ground up three companies that led the way in dynamic and emerging industries. He invented the modern parcel tanker, built a leading offshore services company and pioneered the aquaculture industry.

Today the Stolt-Nielsen name is synonymous with leadership, innovation and quality.

2015

Christer Olsson, Chairman of the Board, passed away on 29 December, aged 70. He had served as a Director of the Company since 1993, and as Chairman of the Board since 2009, when he succeeded Jacob Stolt-Nielsen, the Company's founder.

Founder Jacob Stolt-Nielsen passed away on February 15, aged 83. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from 1959, when he founded the Company, until 2009. He remained a Director until his retirement in 2014. He held the position of Chief Executive Officer from 1959 until 2000.

2014

Jacob Stolt-Nielsen, founder and visionary, retired from the Board of Directors effective December 15, thus formally concluding his career at the company, 55 years to the date of its founding.

Stolt Tankers relocated its Norwalk staff to Houston. Approximately 60 employees will be affected by the move.

Stolt Sea Farm acquired Acuidoro S.L., a turbot farm in Cervo, Spain, and Alrogal S.A., an adjacent hatchery. The facilities will support SSF’s production of turbot and the expansion of its sole operations.

Stolthaven Terminals acquired a bulk-liquid storage terminal in Dagenham, Port of London, UK, the division’s first in the UK market.

Stolt Tank Containers added over 2,600 new tanks into its global fleet, plus two new depots for a total of 14.

Avance Gas acquired four VLGCs, two on the open market and two from Transpetrol Holdings Ltd., which became one-third shareholder in Avance Gas, joining Sungas and Stolt-Nielsen Gas as an equal owner. As a result, the Avance Gas fleet doubled in size to a total of eight owned VLGCs.

Stolthaven Terminals acquired a bulk-liquid storage terminal in the Port of Moerdijk, The Netherlands, providing added support to the Company’s inter-European coastal tanker and inland barging services.

2011

Stolthaven Terminals opened a new petrochemical terminal on Jurong Island, Singapore, commencing operations with three gas spheres and plans for a total of 300,000 cbm of storage to be built over the next two-to-three years.

Stolt Tank Containers added approximately 5,000 new tanks into its global fleet, an increase of nearly 20%.

2010

Sungas Holdings Ltd. became a 50% shareholder in Avance Gas, which was previously wholly owned by Stolt-Nielsen Gas. Avance Gas acquired three VLGCs from Sungas as part of the transaction.

Stolt Tankers B.V. acquired seven sophisticated stainless steel parcel tankers in a series of transactions for a total consideration of $255 million. The ships were built between 2000 and 2009, with deadweight tonnage ranging from 20,000 to 37,000 dwt.

Stolt Tank Containers took delivery of 900 newbuildings during the year.

Shareholders approved a plan to migrate the location of the Company—now known as Stolt-Nielsen Limited—to Bermuda, enabling shareholders to continue to benefit from a legal structure similar to that which the Company experienced as a holding company in Luxembourg, where regulations were scheduled to change.

Stolt-Nielsen received refunds totaling $295.8 million plus accrued interest for progress payments made on eight newbuildings that were cancelled due to delays.

The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in the Company's favour, rejecting class arbitration of certain antitrust claims brought by a purported class led by AnimalFeeds International Corporation.

2009

Stolt-Nielsen celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Company.

Jacob Stolt-Nielsen was succeeded by Christer Olsson as Chairman, effective December 15, 2009, the date of the Company’s 50th birthday.

Stolt-Nielsen Gas acquired the VLGC Althea Gas and entered in to a three-year time charter of the VLGC Yuhsho, thus commencing operations as an LPG carrier.

Stolt-Nielsen completed the sale of its 25% shareholding in Marine Harvest N.V. to Geveran Trading Co. Ltd. (which in turn contributed the business to Pan Fish ASA) after the approvals of the transaction from U.K. and French competition authorities.